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RPSI news from September 2007

September 2007 was a busy month for RPSI volunteers. Three main line trains were run on consecutive weekends, with both No.4 and No.186. The last of this year's Summer Steam train rides ran as successfully as ever at Whitehead, and we delivered little No.90 to the Downpatrick and County Down Railway:


RPSI Photonews ImageOn the 9th September a very enjoyable "Steam Enterprise" operation saw No.186 work south from Whitehead to swap with No.4 which brought the train north from Dublin.  Here 186 coasts into Dundalk with the preserved Central signal cabin on the left.  Photo by Barry Pickup.
RPSI Photonews ImageSame day, milepost 57.5 and No.186 looks good in this shot from Wilson Adams.
Whitehead Photonews ImageOn September 15th 2007, our steam train was in action taking people to (and from) the Country Comes to Town fair in Portadown.  The day was a lot of fun, with full trains and nearly 570 passengers carried.  This press clipping is from the Newsletter (www.newsletter.co.uk)
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This selection of photographs from Roy Clarke shows happy passengers and hard working Translink staff at Portadown for the Country Comes to Town steam trains on September 15th.

Whitehead Photonews ImageRPSI Council Member Mark Walsh (our footplate roster clerk) spotted some platform tiles on pallets at Magherafelt Station recently.  Knowing that we would like to improve the look of our station at Whitehead (now that we own it) he enquired and the tiles were duly donated, arriving at Whitehead in mid-September.  This press clipping is from the Mid-Ulster Mail (www.midulstermail.co.uk)
RPSI Photonews ImageOn Sunday September 23rd, Rockport School chartered our train to take them from Seahill to Whitehead and back.  They enjoyed a great day out and the locomotive performed very well.  Photo by Keith Lilley
RPSI Photonews ImageSame day and No.4 looks well storming up Hollywood bank in this shot from Wilson Adams.
RPSI Photonews ImageQueen's University Belfast students have helped design a new model railway simulator to aid in the training of Northern Ireland Railways staff.  The simulator comprises a control panel of the type used in modern railway signal cabins, and a section of model track with signals and points.
Students developed modules for inclusion in this project as part of their final year degree course. 
RPSI volunteer and Queen's Lecturer Denis Campbell from the School of Electrical and Electronic  Engineering pointed out advantages the simulator will bring, saying: "The benefits to trainee signallers lies in the simulator's comprehensive realisation of both track layout and signal control panel. In the real system they can see only one of these at a time.  In addition real life signalling situations can be replicated and the control of train signals and points can also be practiced in a controlled environment."
From left Denis Campbell, lecturer, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Damien Agnew, Head of Translink Signallers and Mikhail Ivanov, Russian exchange student.

Whitehead Works ImageOn Sunday 30th September No.90 moved by low loader from Whitehead to its new home at Downpatrick.  The locomotive is owned by Irish Rail and is on loan to the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway.  The RPSI had given the locomotive an overhaul at Whitehead.  Photo by Geoff Moore.

Whitehead Works ImageIn the shadow of Down Cathedral the yard has plenty of space for lorry manoeuvers.  In the background can be seen the former Maghera Goods Shed and former Kings Bog Junction signalbox.  Photo by Geoff Moore.
Whitehead Works ImageRPSI delivery man Jeff Spencer with DCDR driver Norman Bodel.  Photo by Geoff Moore.

Whitehead Works ImageWith the power unit detached, its a relatively straightforward (if a little weighty) job to build the ramp.  Photo by Geoff Moore.

Whitehead Works ImageNearly there.  G class diesel on hand to help if required.  Photo by Geoff Moore.

Whitehead Works ImageGently the loco is driven down the ramp.  Photo by Geoff Moore.

Whitehead Works ImageThis shot demonstrates the size difference between RPSI 0-6-0ST No.3 (currently on hire to DCDR) and No.90.  No.3 was on hand to help with crew training.  Photo by Geoff Moore.

Whitehead Works ImageNo.90 was tested light engine to Inch Abbey and then with a train of 4 coaches on the ‘South’ line.  Hopefully she will be a stalwart of services for some time to come.  Photo by Geoff Moore.
View our Helping Us Page to see how you can volunteer in Dublin or Whitehead and get involved.

Or, join us as a passenger.


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